NIH removed the April 5 SBIR/STTR deadline because no active funding announcements exist. Future opportunities will appear first on Grants.gov.

The SBIR/STTR reauthorization changes proposal strategy in subtle ways. Learn how new rules reshape commercialization, compliance, and competitiveness.

Partnerships and collaborations can be powerful assets in developing a competitive SBIR/STTR application.

Colorado offers $1,000 to rural, women-owned, and minority-led tech startups for expert SBIR/STTR proposal support. Apply now.

SBIR/STTR reauthorization is approaching. Six strategic actions innovators should take now to stay competitive and compliant.

Transform policies with data-driven evaluations that enhance effectiveness, equity, and impact in government-funded programs

FY26 CDMRP pre-announcements are live. Smart teams are preparing now, before official solicitations compress timelines and clarity disappears. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-prepare-for-fy26-cdmrp-pre-announcements-before-the-solicitations-drop/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Army xTech|Adaptive Strike offers $1.5M in prizes. Here’s how to assess fit, risk, and next steps strategically. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-decide-if-the-armys-xtech-adaptive-strike-competition-is-worth-your-time/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Louisiana startups can access $5K in reimbursable costs to prepare SBIR/STTR proposals. Consultant fees, R&D, and more are eligible.

CDMRP’s FY26 SCIRP pre-announcement outlines research priorities and emerging funding routes for spinal cord injury investigators. https://www.ebhoward.com/funding-on-the-horizon-for-spinal-cord-injury-research/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Submitting an SBIR/STTR proposal is a significant milestone, but what happens next can feel like a mystery.

MTI offers Maine startups $5,000 in reimbursable support to strengthen SBIR or federal R&D proposals. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Mississippi startups can receive $3,000 to strengthen their SBIR/STTR proposals with data, consulting, or travel—rolling applications accepted.

Choosing between grants, BAAs, CSOs, and OTs depends on readiness, flexibility, and how the Department of War plans to engage. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-choose-between-grants-baas-csos-and-ots-without-guesswork/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NASA’s growing SBIR/STTR budget creates opportunity, but only for teams prepared to meet higher expectations and execution scrutiny. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-prepare-for-nasa-sbir-sttr-now-that-the-budget-has-grown/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

As quantum funding shifts toward ecosystems, institutions must strengthen evaluation readiness to meet federal expectations for accountability, learning, and long-term impact.

For startups seeking capital without giving up equity, crowdfunding has emerged as a powerful non-dilutive funding option.

NIH’s new Research Security Training mandate requires annual certification for key personnel starting May 2026. Here’s how applicants can be ready.

Due to the absence of either a fiscal year 2026 appropriation or a Continuing Resolution for the Department of Health and Human Services, OLAW is now closed.  https://www.ebhoward.com/olaw-is-now-closed-due-to-the-lapse-in-federal-government-funding/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

New Hampshire startups can receive $5K to finalize strong SBIR/STTR proposals through UNHInnovation’s FOSTER Microgrant. Training required.

Why evaluation planning can make or break large USDA NIFA AFRI proposals and how to get ahead of reviewer expectations. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-decide-if-usda-nifas-afri-strengthening-agricultural-systems-program-is-worth-applying-to/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Why evaluation is a credibility test in USDA NIFA’s AFRI Strengthening Agricultural Systems program and how strong teams prepare early. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-get-evaluation-right-for-usda-nifas-afri-strengthening-agricultural-systems-program/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Alaskan startups can now request up to $10,000 in 2024 for SBIR/STTR proposal development through TREND’s Phase 0 Program.

BAAs and CSOs move faster than grants and prioritize innovation over paperwork, making them an underused funding path. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-baas-and-csos-offer-a-faster-alternative-to-traditional-grants/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Submitting a competitive SBIR/STTR application involves managing a large number of documents, each with its own set of requirements and deadlines.

Washington SBIR Phase I awardees can receive $25K in matching funds to accelerate growth—apply by June 12, 2025.

Municipalities succeed in federal grantmaking with early planning, strong partnerships, and clear evaluation; Springfield and Birmingham prove it.

Oregon businesses can receive up to $5,000 in expert support for preparing SBIR/STTR proposals through Business Oregon’s Phase 0 and 00 grants.

Wisconsin entrepreneurs can access up to $4,500 for professional SBIR/STTR proposal development through the CTC’s Assistance Micro-Grant Program.

Strong evaluation frameworks turn data into funding power, helping innovation and economic development programs prove impact and attract… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-strong-evaluation-drives-funding-and-growth-in-economic-development-and-innovation/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

As of January 5, 2026, SBIR and STTR remain without reauthorization. Here’s the current status and practical next steps. https://www.ebhoward.com/as-of-january-2026-where-things-stand-with-sbir-sttr-reauthorization/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

First-time DOE SBIR/STTR applicants can receive expert proposal support through the DOE Phase 0 Program—quarterly enrollment and rolling support.

NIH clarifies the difference between Highlighted Topics and Funding Opportunities. Misunderstanding the distinction can undermine… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-the-difference-between-nih-highlighted-topics-and-funding-opportunities/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Missouri startups can access $2,500 in grant writing support for SBIR proposals through the state’s SBDC Phase 0 FAST Grant.

NASA’s SBIR/STTR program switches to a Broad Agency Announcement in 2026 with phased appendices offering flexible proposal timing and reset limits. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-nasa-sbir-sttr-program-is-changing-for-2026/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

A compelling narrative can make your SBIR/STTR proposal stand out in a highly competitive funding environment.

Illinois life sciences startups can access $15,000 in SBIR proposal support through the iBIO Propel Awards Program—exclusively for Propel members.

NSF’s Critical Minerals Challenge raises the bar for innovation readiness, making early evaluation essential for credibility, accountability, and… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-nsf-stride-ventures-is-redefining-what-ready-means-for-innovation/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NIH is implementing a unified funding strategy to make award decisions more consistent and transparent. Here is what applicants need to know. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-nih-unified-funding-strategy-and-why-it-matters-for-applicants/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NSF’s expanded technical support makes evaluation a front-end strategy decision, not a back-end requirement, for… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-nsfs-expanded-technical-support-signals-a-shift-in-evaluation-and-why-teams-need-evaluators-at-the-table-now/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NSF rule changes raise the bar on proposal readiness. One weak submission can now close doors. Here is how to respond. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-navigate-new-nsf-review-rules-without-losing-your-shot-at-funding/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NIH introduced emergency peer-review modifications that affect evaluation, timelines, and committee operations. Here is what applicants… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-nih-emergency-peer-review-modifications-and-why-they-matter-right-now/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NSF’s NAIRR Foundations opportunity funds the operational core of a national AI research resource. Here is what applicants need to know. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-nairr-and-why-this-new-nsf-opportunity-matters/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NIH will require SciENcv-generated and certified Common Forms for biosketch and current and pending support starting January 25, 2026; plan now.

NIH will reduce discussed applications to ~30-35%, create a “competitive but not discussed” band, and simplify feedback; applicants must adapt strategy. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-nih-peer-review-feedback-is-evolving/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

When you strengthen your proof, clean up your packaging, clarify your market position, and follow a clear funding pathway, you stop looking risky and start… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-use-the-four-ps-to-accelerate-funding-and-capital-readiness/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

The Growth Accelerator Fund Competition strengthens accelerators and ESOs that guide deep-tech founders toward SBIR and STTR success… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-the-growth-accelerator-fund-competition-and-why-it-matters-for-innovators/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NSF’s Translation-to-Practice opportunity supports the movement of research discoveries into real-world applications. Here is what applicants need to… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-nsfs-translation-to-practice-opportunity-and-why-it-matters/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

Six new Critical Technology Areas mark the U.S. War Department’s 2025 roadmap — here’s what they are and why your organization should care. https://www.ebhoward.com/how-we-can-think-ahead-of-the-new-war-department-ctas/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social

NIH launches a new Replication Prize that rewards rigorous replication studies and strengthens scientific credibility across biomedical… https://www.ebhoward.com/how-to-understand-the-nih-replication-prize-and-why-it-matters-for-research-integrity/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social